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Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Anatomy of a Scandal in Books

Jun 5, 2019

Anatomy of a Scandal is based around three central characters. First there’s James, the suave, charismatic family man and politician who is also good friends with the Prime Minister. He’s wealthy and over-privileged. Then we meet Kate, the young, ruthlessly ambitious prosecutor, who’s determined to see James get the guilty verdict he deserves. She’s also good at her job and made her name prosecuting the very worst sexual assault cases. Finally we meet Sophie, James’ wife who has been dating James since college and knows him better than anyone else. All have a vital part to play in this psychological, legal drama, which starts with a shocking scandal being revealed, which is then dissected in court.

James is accused of rape one of his assistants, but did he do it? While his wife Sophie is seemingly supportive on the outside, on the inside her mind is going crazy thinking about his alleged crimes and what he could in fact be capable of. Just how long can she remain loyal as the story unfolds?

We travel from the court case, back in time to Oxford in the 90s and into the current murky goings on within the privileged political world, where money, corruption and power rule the day.

This is an extremely well written and cleverly plotted, insightful story, which I can easily see adapted into a BBC drama, very much like Louise Doughty’s Apple Tree Yard.

Sarah Vaughan has mastered a treat for us with Anatomy of a Scandal, a sharp, engrossing and poignant political drama, which highlights some shocking hard-hitting facts with sensitivity and realism. Terrific!

Kudos

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Law Abiding Citizen (2009) in Movies

Aug 9, 2019

Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

2009 | Crime, Drama, Thriller

7.5

(24 Ratings)

Movie Rating

A good father and husband Clyde Shelton‘s (Gerard Butler) world is blown apart when a set of criminals break into his house and murder his family. When the prosecutor, Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx), cuts a deal with one of the criminals in order to convict the other, Clyde begins to realize the inherent flaws that exist in the judicial system. Once a law-abiding citizen, Clyde decides to take the matter into his own hands and it is up to Nick to stop him.

Foxx and Butler work exceptional well together, although this not one of Foxx’s best performances. Butler, on the other hand, manages an exceptional portrayal of Clyde as charming and understandable all while maintaining the unpredictability of a good antagonist. In fact, I was not surprised when the twenty-something something guy sitting next to me leaned over to his best friend and uttered “awesomest guy ever”, Clyde is pretty impressive.

A film about corruption, family, and justice, “Law Abiding Citizen” is psychologically thrilling and at times downright funny. Additionally, the combined use of technology, explosions, and clever twists, keep the action high. Well written, exhilaratingly timed, and distinctively unique, there only seems to be one giant pitfall, the ending. Without giving any more plot away I will tell you the ending was not as grandiose as it could have been leaving significant room for improvement.

Still “Law Abiding Citizen” was a fulfilling film, satisfying for anyone interested in the justice system, clever psychological thrills, or a well-rounded character. If you enjoy action or well composed plots, go see “Law Abiding Citizen”, it will leave you thinking and with an adrenaline filled action high.

Kudos

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Legend of Tarzan (2016) in Movies

Aug 6, 2019

It’s a story we’re pretty much all familiar with – Tarzan, a man who was raised in the jungle by apes that took him in as a baby after his parents died.
In “The Legend of Tarzan,” it is the 1880’s and royal corruption brews beneath the surface. Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgard), now an adult, is living as John Clayton III, Lord Greystoke with his wife Jane (Margot Robbie).

His civilized life is interrupted when he is sent back to the Congo as a trade emissary. Unfortunately, he is at the center of the wicked plans of Captain Léon Rom (Christoph Waltz). Rom has made a deal to trade Tarzan in exchange for diamonds to a tribal chief who plans to butcher and eat him. Waltz does a great job playing a sleazy political criminal with beady eyes and a greasy mustache.

Samuel L. Jackson is also fun to watch as George Washington Williams, who accompanies Tarzan to the Congo when he follows up on his own suspicions.
While the film is quite enjoyable, and very pretty to look at (special thanks to Skarsgard). Tarzan isn’t as animalistic as you would expect, Jane lacks authentic emotion, and at times the CGI is a bit low quality.

“The Legend of Tarzan” is one of those short, sweet, and fun summer movies and is definitely worth watching. With political undertones of greed, slavery, and human destruction, it also has deeper value.

This is one that everyone can watch. It’s not too violent, it’s not to edgy, and it’s not too long. I give “The Legend of Tarzan” 3.5 out of 5 stars.